Diego Simeone Tactics At Atlético Madrid 2025/2026: Why Corners Are A Control Tool, Not A Gamble – Set-Piece Analysis

Atlético Madrid’s attacking corners in the 2025/2026 La Liga season are not designed as isolated scoring attempts. 

They serve as a mechanism to maintain territorial dominance, destabilise defensive structures, and create repeatable, high-value moments near the goal.

Rather than relying on elaborate choreography.

Atléticos strategy revolves around three core principles: controlling specific areas of the field, physically dominating those zones, and aggressively competing for the ball after the initial challenge. 

The straightforward nature of these tactics enables them to perform with remarkable consistency, regardless of the opponent or the competition.

In this set-piece analysis and tactical analysis, we will discuss how Diego Simeone tries to benefit from it.

Atlético Madrid Zonal Delivery & Near-Post Destabilisation

Atletis corner-kick strategy focuses on delivering the ball to the near post to create chaos. 

This tactic compresses the space, making it difficult for defenders and the goalkeeper to clear the ball effectively. 

If the initial delivery is only partially dealt with, Atléticos players are positioned to immediately attack the rebound or deliver a second cross into the box.

Here, the corner is delivered toward the near-post zone, with Nico González arriving from outside the box on a diagonal run to attack the first contact.

Atlético Madrid executed a near-post corner that immediately pressured Valencia’s defensive line.